Local agencies team up to fight heroin epidemic

Already this year there have been 3 heroin-related deaths in Delhi. In all of 2013, there were 4 and the fire department responded to 31 overdose calls. (Fox19 file photo)

GREEN TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) -

School officials and police officers on the City's west side are teaming up to look for solutions to the heroin epidemic.

Oak Hills Local School District, Delhi Township Police, Green Township Police and Mount St. Joseph University are collaborating to hold an invitation-only heroin summit later today.

Officials said the idea came about following a state conference last spring hosted by the Ohio Attorney General's office.

Delhi Township Police Chief Jim Howarth said the drug is becoming a growing problem throughout the Tri-state.

He said already this year there have been 3 heroin-related deaths in Delhi. In all of 2013, there were 4 and the fire department responded to 31 overdose calls.

Officials said it is difficult to target prevention efforts because the drug is being used by a diverse group of people.

Green Township Police Chief Bart West said typical users range in age from 19-60 and come from various socioeconomic classes.

While heroin does not appear to have made its way into schools, Oak Hills Superintendent Todd Yohey believes the district has a responsibility to educate students about the dangers of the drug.

"All of us share in the responsibility of addressing this in the community and making sure our young people are well educated. That there's programming available for those who might be addicted," said Yohey.

Wednesday's summit is invitation only but organizers said they plan to hold more meetings in the future where they will seek additional help from the public.